Princeton University - Princeton, NJ
posted about 2 months ago
The FlyWire Consortium, led by the Princeton Neuroscience Institute, has made significant strides in neuroscience by releasing the first neuronal wiring diagram of an adult brain. This groundbreaking achievement was made possible through the processing of electron microscopic brain images, which allowed for the reconstruction of tens of millions of synapses connecting approximately 100,000 neurons. As neuroscience transitions into the connectomic era, the need for advanced imaging techniques has become paramount. However, the current method of collecting ultrathin brain slices has remained largely unchanged for over half a century, relying on manual processes that are both time-consuming and prone to error. To address this challenge, we are assembling a dedicated engineering team focused on modernizing the collection process of ultrathin brain slices. The primary objective is to develop a pick-and-place robot that utilizes computer vision to automate the handling of brain slices. This robot will be responsible for picking up slices that are floating on water and accurately placing them onto substrates that are optimized for electron microscopic imaging. The successful implementation of this technology is crucial for scaling connectomics research from simpler organisms, such as fruit flies, to more complex mammalian brains, which are more analogous to human brains. As a Robotics Engineer in this project, you will play a pivotal role in designing and constructing the robotic system. This includes interfacing the robot with a sophisticated control system and collaborating closely with a robot vision engineer to ensure precise control over the pick-and-place operations. Your expertise will contribute to the advancement of neuroscience research and the development of innovative technologies that can transform the field.